Hindu traditions include many important fasting rituals, and one of the most revered is Som Pradosh Vrat. This auspicious fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed on the Trayodashi tithi that falls on a Monday. The time just before sunset, known as the Pradosh period, is believed to be highly powerful for spiritual cleansing and divine blessings.
People observe this vrat to seek happiness, overcome obstacles, and attain inner peace. Monday is already connected to the worship of Shiva, which makes this vrat spiritually intense. Devotees believe that sincere prayers during this day remove negativity and attract prosperity. The goal is to connect deeply with Shiva’s energy during the sacred evening phase.
How Did The Tradition Of Som Pradosh Vrat Begin?
This vrat has been mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. According to legend, when the poison emerged from the cosmic ocean during the churning of the sea, Lord Shiva consumed it to protect the universe. The devas prayed to him during the Pradosh period and received his blessings.
This is why devotees continue to observe Som Pradosh Vrat to seek mercy, protection, and spiritual upliftment. It also balances the emotional influence of the moon and reduces mental stress, making it spiritually healing.
Also Read: Pradosh Vrat 2025 Dates, Timings & Puja Vidhi
What Rituals Should Be Followed On Som Pradosh Vrat?

The rituals are simple yet spiritually powerful. Devotees follow these steps:
- Wake up early and take a holy bath.
- Wear clean and comfortable clothes.
- Keep a fast throughout the day; some follow a fruit-based diet.
- Visit a Shiva temple or perform puja at home.
- Light a ghee lamp during the evening.
- Offer bilva (bael) leaves to Lord Shiva.
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and other Shiva mantras.
Additional practices followed during Pradosh kaal (around 90 minutes before sunset):
- Perform Shiva Abhishek with water, milk, or panchamrit.
- Meditate on Shiva’s form to calm the mind.
- Maintain purity of thoughts and avoid negative behavior.
The focus should remain on devotion, faith, and a peaceful mind rather than strict rules.
For accurate timings and guidance related to Som Pradosh rituals, devotees can also refer to platforms like Astrolive to ensure their worship aligns perfectly with the auspicious period.
What Are The Benefits Of Observing This Sacred Vrat?
Observing Som Pradosh Vrat is believed to attract divine blessings, remove life obstacles, and create balance in mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Devotees experience positive changes in both personal and professional areas.
Removes karmic obstacles and negativity:
This vrat is believed to purify past karmas and dissolve lingering negative energies. Devotees feel mental relief and emotional cleansing, helping them move forward with clarity.
Improves physical health and vitality:
Fasting and spiritual discipline support better metabolism and internal detoxification. Prayers during this vrat also enhance inner strength, helping devotees maintain healthier routines.
Brings peace, focus, and emotional balance:
Chanting Shiva mantras and meditating during Pradosh kaal calm the nervous system. It reduces stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance, promoting long-term mental harmony.
Promotes financial stability and prosperity:
Devotees who perform this vrat with devotion experience fewer financial struggles. It is believed to remove unseen obstacles that block wealth, growth, and monetary opportunities.
Strengthens marital harmony and family bonding:
Couples observe this vrat together to nurture mutual respect and understanding. It encourages smoother communication and brings divine blessings for a peaceful family life.
You might also like: How To Do Amla Navami Puja For Good Fortune?
When Is Som Pradosh Vrat Celebrated In 2025?
People often ask Som pradosh vrat kab hai because the dates follow the lunar calendar, which changes every year. For proper observance, consulting a reliable source is helpful. You can find accurate dates and predictions related to Som pradosh vrat 2025 on astrology platforms and Panchang calendars. Following the correct tithi helps maximize spiritual benefits.
The first Som Pradosh Vrat of November falls on November 3, 2025, and it is considered highly auspicious for fulfilling wishes and seeking divine blessings.
Many devotees also check Som pradosh vrat date and time to ensure their rituals align perfectly with the Pradosh kaal.
Performing the puja during this sacred period increases the chances of receiving divine blessings, as cosmic energies are most harmonious then. Doing rituals outside this window may reduce effectiveness, so accurate timings truly matter.
Check Auspicious Timings With Today’s Panchang
What Are The Different Types Of Pradosh Vrats And Their Meanings?
There are several versions based on the weekday:
- Monday (Som Pradosh) – Best for mental peace, spiritual clarity, and emotional healing.
- Tuesday (Bhauma Pradosh) – Helps remove debts and conflicts.
- Thursday (Guru Pradosh) – Brings wisdom and family prosperity.
- Saturday (Shani Pradosh) – Removes obstacles caused by karma.
Among these, som pradosh vrat holds special power because of Shiva’s connection with the moon.
Which Essential Items Are Required For The Puja?
To perform a simple and meaningful puja, devotees generally prepare the following items:
Bilva (Bel) leaves:
These are considered one of Lord Shiva’s most sacred offerings. Their unique three-leaf structure symbolizes purity and helps balance and cool Shiva’s powerful energy, while also removing negativity from one’s life.
Fresh flowers:
Offered to invoke divine blessings and symbolize devotion, purity, and respect.
Ghee diya (lamp):
Lighting a lamp signifies the removal of darkness and the presence of divine light in the home.
Incense sticks:
Their fragrance purifies the surrounding environment and helps create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Panchamrit:
A sacred mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey, used for abhishek and later consumed as prasad for good health and fortune.
Fruits:
Offered as a symbol of gratitude, later shared as prasad for blessings of prosperity.
Camphor (kapoor):
Burned at the end of the puja, representing the destruction of ego and negativity, leaving behind purity and peace.
Together, these items help devotees connect spiritually, purify the surroundings, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
How Is Astrology Connected To Som Pradosh Vrat?

Astrologically, the moon controls emotions, memory, and mental peace. When it becomes weak or afflicted, stress increases. Observing Som Pradosh Vrat balances lunar energies and promotes emotional healing. It also calms the influence of Saturn, improving patience and stability.
If you want personalized guidance on how this vrat interacts with your birth chart, you can talk to expert astrologers on Astrolive, a platform where you can chat, consult, generate kundlis, and get remedies instantly.
On this sacred day, performing Chadhava with pure devotion is believed to help devotees overcome life’s obstacles and seek forgiveness for past deeds through prāyaśchitta (atonement).
Astrolive makes this divine act easier with its Bhakti Seva service — where you can book online pooja rituals or offer Chadhava in the name of your family for health, prosperity, and overall well-being.
By engaging in these selfless offerings, devotees not only express gratitude to the divine but also invite positive energy and blessings into their lives.
What Common Mistakes Should Devotees Avoid During Som Pradosh?
Several mistakes should be avoided:
- Performing puja outside Pradosh time
- Forgetting bilva leaves
- Consuming non-vegetarian food
- Letting anger disrupt the day
Maintaining purity of thought and intention is more important than perfection. Simple devotional activities on som pradosh vrat create strong energy.
Why Is The Bilva Leaf Considered Special For Shiva?
The bilva (bel) leaf holds a unique place in Shiva worship because its three leaflets symbolize the powerful divine trio of creation, preservation, and destruction. According to ancient scriptures, the bilva tree emerged from Lord Shiva’s sweat, making it deeply sacred and naturally aligned with his energy.
The leaf is known for its cooling properties, which help balance excessive heat and absorb negative vibrations during spiritual rituals. Offering fresh, unbroken bilva leaves during Som Pradosh Vrat is believed to remove energetic blockages, calm the nervous system, purify karma, and invoke Shiva’s blessings for peace, health, and protection.
How Can Devotees Properly Conclude The Vrat?
After the evening puja, devotees usually break their fast with simple offerings such as fruits, panchamrit, or sattvic foods to maintain purity and balance. To strengthen spiritual merit, many also perform acts of seva like feeding cows, donating grains, or offering food to the needy, which is believed to please Lord Shiva and enhance the blessings earned through fasting. Sprinkling holy water around the puja area and offering water to the Shivalinga symbolizes purification and the flow of positive energy.
Finally, reading or singing the Shiva Aarti completes the ritual beautifully, helping devotees express gratitude, devotion, and surrender. Some also meditate or chant “Om Namah Shivaya” for a few minutes afterward to settle the mind and seal the spiritual benefits of the vrat.

Final Thoughts
Som Pradosh is not just a ritual; it’s a sacred journey of devotion and transformation. It purifies the soul, strengthens relationships, and elevates consciousness. With sincere prayers, meditation, and positivity, devotees receive Shiva’s blessings.
Whether you are beginning this vrat or already follow it regularly, remember that devotion is more valuable than ritual perfection. And whenever confusion arises about timings or planetary effects, guidance is just a click away through Astrolive.
May Lord Shiva bless you with peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength.
FAQs
Q1. Can Som Pradosh Vrat be observed by beginners who have never fasted before?
Yes, even beginners can observe Som Pradosh Vrat. They can start with a mild fast such as consuming fruits, milk, or water. The focus should be on devotion, chanting, and spiritual discipline rather than strict food restrictions.
Q2. Is it necessary to visit a temple during Som Pradosh Vrat?
While visiting a Shiva temple is considered auspicious, it is not mandatory. Devotees can perform puja at home with sincerity by offering bilva leaves, lighting a lamp, and chanting Shiva mantras.
Q3. What should be avoided during Som Pradosh Vrat?
Devotees avoid consuming onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Negative thoughts, anger, and ego-driven behavior should also be avoided to fully benefit from the vrat’s spiritual vibrations.